Embraer to invest US$ 1.7 billion in new jets
Brazil - Arab News Agency
The company announced at the Paris Airshow the release of a new family of regional aircraft, promising to be more efficient and more comfortable for passengers. The event has over 16 companies from Brazil.
Embraer officially released on Monday (17) at the 50th Paris Airshow, held on Monday in Le Bourget airport, on the outskirts of the French capital, its new family of E-Jets. The Brazilian manufacturer will invest approximately US$ 1.7 billion over the next eight years in the development of aircraft E175-E2, E190-E2 and E195-E2, which should consume less fuel than current jets and offer more passenger comfort.
The E-Jet family of commercial aircraft consists of the E170, E175, E190 and E195 models, with capacities ranging from 70 to 130 passengers. On announcing the new models, on Monday, the company said it will not update the E170, the smallest of the group jets. The E175 will receive an extra row of passengers and will be able to carry up to 88 people. The E190 will maintain its capacity of 106 people. But the E195 got three new rows of seats and can carry up to 132 people.
The planes have larger, redesigned wings, new engines and improved flight systems and controls, according to the manufacturer, this will result in "double-digit fuel consumption, (gas) emission and noise reductions, and also in lower maintenance costs." According to Embraer, the interior of the E-Jets will also be changed to give more comfort to passengers and to increase the efficiency of airlines.
Embraer also announced that the US airline SkyWest will be the first of the new E-Jet customers. SkyWest placed a firm order for 100 E175-E2 planes with a purchase option for an additional 100 models in a deal that could total US$ 9.36 billion at aircraft list prices. This order is added to another placed by SkyWest in May, for 200 E-175 jets in the current generation model.
According to Embraer, the first jet to be delivered in the new generation will be the E190-E2, in the first half of 2018. It will be followed, in 2019, by the E195-E2, and, in 2020, the E175-E2. The Brazilian manufacturer estimates that over the next 20 years there will be demand for 6,400 aircraft with capacities of up to 130 passengers. The current family of E-Jets was launched in 2004 and has a 42% market share. Of the over 1200 orders, over 950 aircraft have already been delivered to 65 customers in 47 countries.
Qatar Airways
Also on Monday, Qatar Airways announced an order for nine Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, which will join seven units of this model ordered previously. During the contract signing, the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker said that these jets will be used to expand the destinations served by the airline.
"With its reliability, economics and range capability, the 777 will continue to play a key role in enabling Qatar Airways to operate more direct non-stop flights from our hub in Doha to destinations in many markets including Australasia and the United States," he said. The order amounts to US$ 2.8 billion at list prices for the aircraft. The model can carry up to 386 passengers in three classes, and fly 14,490 kilometres without stopping to refuel. Qatar Airways already has 35 aircraft of the 777 model in this configuration, as well as in the 777-200LR and in the cargo model.
More Brazilians at the event
Another 16 companies in the Brazilian defence sector are exhibiting products at the Brazil Pavilion at the fair, in partnership between the Brazilian Defence and Security Industries Association (Abimde) and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex). In a statement, the Abimde stated that, until the end of the show, on Sunday (23), the Apex, representatives of the Defence Ministry and of the Embassy of Brazil in Paris will seek investors to act in the country in partnership with local businesses.
The companies present at the event include Akaer, Albego, EZ Grip, BCA, Santos Lab, Omnisys, Lacit, Avionics, Airmod, Ambrasolutions, Archosoluitions, Figwal, Globe Machining, Metinjo, Recominte and Troya. Embraer and Alcantara Cyclone Space (ACS) are at separate areas of the show.